CF-19 memory type VS MK-# verification wanted

I have a Cf-19Cxxxxxx MK1. So I am limited to 3gb memory... I am having issues finding the "right" information and questions to ask Google, but what I am looking for is a comparison list of MK -#'s that tells what type of memory each version takes.

My research says that ONLY the MK1, or CF-19c models are limited by bios to the 3gb. But beyond that the information I am finding is very conflicting. Some sources indicate that MK2 and MK3 only allow 4gb max.

In short, there are some MK2 main boards hitting eBay cheap enough to make upgrading my MK1 MB worthwhile, if I can then toss in 8gb memory (obviously needing an OS upgrade to 64 bit). It "seems" this is the case and the MK2 models were 64bit capable, but evidence I am seeing says they were ddr2 memory. Seems with DDR2, I am limited to 4gb?

I am likely missing critical information to sort this out...

Can a MK2 MB upgrade give me anything worthwhile? If I am limited to 4gb memory, not worth the effort....

What is the REAL story on the earliest model to allow me an 8gb upgrade? Best I can figure out it would be a MK4?

 

Max is 4GB...check this out
CF-19 Tablet - ToughWiki

MK1 - Core Duo , 4GB
MK2 - Core 2 Duo , 4GB

 

That was exactly what I was after, thanks bunches! So it seems the MB upgrade route is out. At close to $300 for a MK3 MB...

There is a MK3 going inexpensively on fleabay, with a BIOS password set. A discussion likely off limits here and a headache I may not want. Tempting to set one on my MK1 and see how easy/hard it is to get past...

Besides, I want a lime green CF-19 now! And since my orange one looks so good, well I guess I need another one! Or maybe a Cf-74 instead.... Oh well, this MK1 is fast enough for now.

 

Want more speed...put a SSD in it. :thumbsup:

 

Hummmmmm prices have really dropped on those! That looks like a worthwhile and affordable upgrade.

With SATA, is there any reasonable way to add a second HDD? Gosh knows there is enough room in the CF-19 caddy to physically stuff another in there.... Why? My main activity is constant data logging. A spinner drive might still be better for this application, with the OS and everything on the SSD. Just thinking out loud. On the old ATA systems, I did manage to add in a second HDD on a couple laptops with a simple cable....

"In theory" the pci-e wwan port could be used for this. There are cards readily available on ebay to add SSD or SATA inputs through there. But well we are dealing with Toughbooks here...

EDIT: I have searched long and hard for this BTW. I have found dual SATA to PCI-e adapters. Single SATA to PCI-e with additional USB inputs. But nothing that would allow me to add in a "multiplier" at the stock SATA input.

I did find a dual SATA express card... I will likely never need those ports, so this is a possible approach. But routing cables so covers can close, and I retain accessibility to the SD card slot would become a pain.

 

I'm a "newbiie"...however, looking back and forwards with a quick head turn...SSD is "the way" to go.....from my point of view...Look for a CF-19 & CF-30 PATA system that can use SSD....you will NOT be sorry. My philosophy is to keep is simple, straightforward, & effective...Cleve

 

My "philosophy" seems to be to make it as complicated as possible, as cheaply as possible... The CF-19 doesn't have an optical drive bay, so I "think" the PATA route is a no-go.

Simple means I give up on anything more than converting to the SSD, something I had seriously thought of doing about a year ago when I got this baby. But maybe I will grab a few of those boards on ebay and experiment some. They aren't expensive... And hey, if I fry the MB, it is $40 for a new(er) mk2 one right now yay!

Whatever the case, I want a speed/performance upgrade, and an internal GPS that is worth using. Working on the GPS issues first I guess.

 

thewan.....Sorry! to say that you may think it is easy replacing the mobo. from MK1 to Mk2. I will explain to you. Yup! you can replace the mobo. of MK1 to MK2 but you also need to grab its audio board, control button at the front panel and the pcb that attached the touchpad and the control panel. They have differences. If not you may end up no working audio and your brightness control will be instead of going up or down. It will be a reverse and your light indicator between those control button will be gone. Don't ask, I've been there already, lol...


ohlip

PS, The MK2 can handle up to 8GB of RAM(4x4DDR2) but the problem is the set of those ram will cost you almost the same amount of CF-19 Toughbook.

 

Thanks for the warning and heads up on that one Olhlip!!!!

Well fortunately it was a question born out of amusement and the need to modify, as opposed to necessity. I am really happy with my MK1, other than wanting an emissive backlighted keyboard, more speed, and internal GPS... But hey, I need something to modify?!

If I do go down the road of getting another Toughbook to add to my small collection, I will likely go for a CF-74, or maybe even a CF-30... I would LOVE a new i5 CF-19, but I don't love the prices...

 

Like these? HP 2x4gb_PC2_5300_DDR2_SDRAM I was looking up my CF-19 today doing research with too many browser tabs open. Usually I am using my Macbook, but yeah.

There are a few full bottom cases on ebay cheap enough to make the upgrade almost worth it. But there are some MK3 models too for just a little more. I wouldn't mind a second CF-19... Mmm whatever. I still need to finish collecting all the parts for a proper GPS setup. That comes first.

 

Yup! but I recommend the 6400 not the 5300.

And yes! again, its simplier if you could find the whole bottom coz the upper will be compatible. You only loose the label marking.

ohlip

 

Teo... I think Blair (or someone) said something about the 6400 being slower than the 5300... Have you tested both? I know that the 6400 is cheaper and I cannot imagine something faster going for less money. That doesn't seem to be the way the world works...

 

This was a year ago that I read some where that the 6400 is slower but what they meant was it will run at the slower 5300 speed in our Toughbooks. As for the lower price (my guess), not really sure but the way things go with memory the older stock goes up and the newer stock goes down.

Found it

PC2700 is backward-compatible for PC2100
PC2-5300 is backward-compatible for PC2-4200.
PC2-6400 is backward-compatible for PC2-4200 and PC2-5300.

Memory upgrades from Crucial.com - Memory speeds and compatibility